Police still searching for murdered man’s wallet, backpack

One of two men originally arrested in connection with a homicide in December and then released has been re-arrested in the case—this time for obstruction of justice.

A man driving on 16 Mile Road near Myers Lake Avenue saw what he thought was a dead deer in the snow off the side of the road Wednesday morning, December 18. After getting a closer look, he saw it was a body.

The Medical Examiner’s office ruled the death of Steven Carl Day, 54, of Grand Rapids, as a homicide. Shortly after, two men were arrested and charged with felony murder. They were both released after the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office declined to press charges.

One of those men—Robert Stewart McCombs, 63, was rearrested last week for lying to police about whether he knew or had had contact with the victim. He is also being charged as a habitual offender, 3rd offense. He is being held on a $250,000 bond. He had reportedly fled the state and went to Tennessee after he was last released from jail.

McCombs waived his preliminary hearing Tuesday in 61st District Court in Grand Rapids, and his case was bound over to Circuit Court.

Police are still looking for some of Day’s personal items that are missing. Police said the Day was last seen on video surveillance wearing a backpack. Both the backpack and some of his belongings are missing, such as his wallet, clothing and coat. Police are especially interested in the wallet.

“We don’t know what he had in his wallet, but we have reason to believe that it was tossed out,” said Lt. Ron Gates.

Police said the items may have been thrown from a car, or may have been thrown in a dumpster.

Detectives are asking for anyone with information on a found backpack, clothing or Steven Day’s activities just prior to the homicide call Det. Justin DeBoode, Kent County Sheriff Department, at 616-632-6130 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.